Well, I Can't Resist One More Fall Post We have all seen or written at least one Fall post if not more, but I just can't resist one more. Pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins The smaller pumpkins are good for pies and the larger ones make great Jack 'o Lanterns.  I even like the greenish pumpkins as they seem like the 'ugly' duckling amongst the 'swans' that get picked for display. This big one ended up on my door step along with the little girl I bought on a rainy day in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.  Enjoy fall ~ bet we will see more fall posts before the snow flies Other Fall Posts Fall into Creativity with Fall Colors Aubergine Mums aka Eggplant or just common Purple ~ Enjoy 'em 09/30/2012

Fall into Creativity with Fall Colors Fall is here.  With cooler temps here in northeast especially along Lake Erie it's hard not to fall in love with the beauty that is knocking on our door.  Literally and figuratively.  (See Ready or Not ~ Here Comes Fall) A visit to Paschke Mum Farm in North East, PA is an annual trek with Dave starting with one of early dates in 1997.  Trek:  Not a big deal,  Just 40+/- miles.  We make it an afternoon adventure of sightseeing and just enjoying the ride along shore of Lake Erie or view of lake up on the ridge  of I-90.  Mums are my favorite flowers.  I want one of every color.    What is your favorite Fall Color? 09/25/2012

Ready or Not ~ Here Comes Fall And there she is camped out on my front porch. Do yu think maybe I should pull the Welcome mat inside and she will get the hint? I almost trip over her as I walk out my front door and then she drops things in my driveway day & night.  Those acorns are hard to walk on. Personally I prefer to see the fall color on the trees rather than in my yard or driveway. I bet you can guess why? Guess I have no choice but the grin and enjoy the FALL SEASON. Let's take trip to Paschke's Mum Farm in North East, PA & shop for mums (aka chrysanthemum). Come back later for MUM post. 09/25/2012

And the Winners Are ~ Toastmasters Contest ~ Erie, PA District 13 Area 8 Humorous & Table Topics Contest Winners Humorous: Lisa Pustelak  Table Topics: Bob Nieratko The winners of the area contest will compete in the Division Contest October 6, 2012 Jameson Conference Center 1000 South Mercer Street New Castle, PA 16105 Of course each attendee is a winner as we learn from each speaking event.  Please join us in New Castle, PA on October 6th to support Lisa and Bob as we continue on our quest to become better speakers and leaders. 09/22/2012

Welcome Home ~ Never Sounded So Sweet Hawaii, Alaska, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada . . . Around the world or across town, no matter where we go on vacation or how much fun we have on while vacation there is no place like home. The final 100 miles seemed like the longest.  I was never so happy to see the sign (below) at the PA/NY border. 4,000 +  miles  Erie ~ Montreal ~ Quebec City ~ Sydney ~ Charlottetown ~ Halifax ~ Bar Harbor ~ Boston More photos of stops along the way to follow However, today it is back to reality . . . 09/10/2012

Does Erie, PA Have Some of the Best Sunsets in the World? Sunset over Presque Isle Bay Come find out for yourself.  Seven miles of beautiful beaches along Presque Isle Peninsula in the distance (in photo).  Enjoy fifteen miles of bike/walking trails  around bay and lake sides.   Come for awhile & you will agree Erie, PA really does have best Sunsets in the World! When you are ready to buy your 'piece' of paradise in Erie, I am ready to share Erie's beauty with you and your family.  Do you know someone who is thinking of getting Pennsylvania Real Estate license?  Please tell them Real Estate classes begin soon.  AlanKells.com 08/22/2012

ERIE, PA ERIE, PA--Real Estate Market Grows.  Headline in today's Erie Times News.  Statistics from Greater Erie Board of Realtors document 2,240 properties closed by July, 2012 compared to only 1,825 for same period in 2011.  Average sales price is now $131,026 up 10.8% from 2011 average price of $118,197. ERIE, PA--It's time to follow your dream of getting a Real Estate license.        PA requires 60 hrs education (Fundamentals 30 hrs & Practice 30 hrs) FUNDAMENTALS $178          PRACTICE $178 TEXT $49 ERIE, PA--Reserve your seat now for fall classes.  Real Estate classes in Erie, PA begin Sept. 15 Do you know someone who is thinking about a career in Real Estate? Contact Mary Yonkers for Real Estate classes in Erie, PA or visit www.alankells.com for upcoming classes. 08/20/2012

Ship Me Off to Zoo San Diego Zoo Cleveland Zoo  Buffalo Zoo Pittsburgh Zoo  Erie Zoo No, no let's stay at the Erie Zoo and just pretend.  On the left is version of crate used to take zoo animals to vet or another zoo.  Playing in the crate is one of the boys favorite activities during each visit to Erie Zoo. Crate is Located in 'hand-on' play section of the zoo. And I think eating is their second favorite.  How much can two boys eat?  A trip to the zoo would not be complete without a train ride. A tender moment captured on film at end of day.  Now it's time for me to ship two hungry boys back to their parents just in time for dinner.   08/20/2012

Tickle Your Toes in Lake Erie Sunset    ERIE, PA Yes, take off your shoes and walk along the water's edge. It's summer and nothing feels better at end of long day than feeling the gentle waves lapping at your toes.   Then, of course, you can stop for ice cream on the way home.  Erie, PA has numerous ice cream stands just waiting for you.  If you missed last night's sunset I am sure that Mother Nature will provide another one tonight unless the rain gods make an unplanned visit.  Have a Great Day! @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who do you know that is thinking about getting a Real Estate license?  Please do them a favor by telling them about Alan Kells School of Real Estate.  Real Estate Fundamentals $178 Real Estate Practice $178 Text $49 08/19/2012

Erie, PA Are You Thinking about Real Estate Career, but FEAR Math? If you are like me you are not a big fan of math.  In fact you might even have a secret FEAR of Math just like me.  I had a younger sister who was a whizz at math so I decided to focus on other subjects until I decided that I wanted a career in Real Estate.  UGH!  How can I pass the Real Estate Exam if I can't do math?  First, choose a Real Estate school staffed by former teachers dedicated to teaching adults who are returning to the classroom after a few years or many years out of school.  You need a teacher that will simplify math problems and use illustrations to aid comprehension. Second, with practice you will gain the confidence needed to overcome your fear. Third, you will be happy to know that there are only 5-7 ... 08/18/2012

Another Lake Erie Sunset Living near the water has its advantages and disadvantages.  Nothing beats a beautiful sunset or sunrise over the water.  First advantage:  Lake Erie is only 1.5 miles from my house so I walk down.  (Yes, it is down hill) Second advantage:  Just look at the beautiful sunset I captured last night Third advantage:  Dave meets me at bottom of hill with his black convertible.  After basking in the after glow we drive to local ice cream stand. Disadvantages:  Can't think of any at this time.  That's another post on another day probably after a storm. Lake Erie Sunset Do you know someone in Erie, PA or northwest Pennsylvania who plans to take Real Estate classes?  Fundamentals and Practice classes schedule is available on www.alankells.com  Cost: $178 per class 08/16/2012

Pennsylvania Real Estate Fundamentals Class Erie, PA $178 Real Estate Fundamentals offers comprehensive overview of the technical and legal aspects of Real Estate. The course includes:                                   Rights and interests in land How ownership is held Transfer of rights and interests Contract law Mortgages Fair housing laws State licensing laws Location: EBCO Park 2820 W. 21st Street Erie, PA 16506 Alan Kells School of Real Estate Mary Yonkers, instructor 08/16/2012

Wild Wednesday Wildflowers Wild Wednesday Wildflowers Well, I know that other Rain members post Wacky Wednesday posts, but I am titling mine Wild Wednesday.  I found these wild flowers while walking to Lake Erie. We will enjoy them while having dinner soon.  Have a wonderful evening.   If you know someone who is thinking of getting Real Estate license in Erie, PA please send them to Alan Kells School of Real Estate. Cost: $178 08/15/2012

Good Morning Erie, PA Sunrise over Presque Isle Yacht Club  at foot of State Street  Summer sunrises are magical especially near the water.  Add a few boats, especially one you can bunk on and the sunrise is right there to greet you in the morning.  Have a great day in Erie, PA or where ever you might be today. Do you know someone who is thinking about a career in Real Estate? Call Mary Yonkers for Real Estate classes in Erie, PA or visit www.alankells.com for upcoming classes. 08/14/2012

Oops, I Screwed Up as Chief Judge How could I forget?  What was I thinking?  I thought I was prepared for the role of Chief Judge for Noon-Timer Toastmasters club contest.  I had done it before so it should have been routine. Well, I screwed up and I had to acknowledge that in front of whole group of people.  I really felt like I wanted to fall right into that manhole in the graphic to the left of this post. Me, the teacher, the authority, the one everyone looks to for advice and direction.  Ouch, that hurts. Smile and take ownership and move on, but after ruminating every detail for 24 hours I composed the following e-mail to Noon-Timers.. Fellow Noon-Timer Toastmasters, Congratulations Ed, Contest Chair for Noon-Timer Toastmasters Table Topics contest. Congratulations Lisa, Table Topi... 08/10/2012

Take Time to Visit Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua Institution founded in 1874 on 750 acres on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in scenic western New York.  Chautauqua Institution offers an eclectic mix of fine art, music, religion, educational lectures and recreation with world famous artists, performers and speakers.  Each summer Dave & I plan a day at Chautauqua followed by dinner at one of the fine restaurants that abound in the region.  This year we choose a cruise on the Chautauqua Belle and dinner at the Italian Fisherman.  Enjoy a few photos. Step back in time Walk, bike or bus, NO CARS  Take cruise on the Chautuaqua Belle, relive the era of steamboats www269belle.com   Final shot Western New York skyline while driving back to PA  (Dave was driving) 08/10/2012

Don't Worry ~ It's Just a Bat    I found a bat on my front porch early this morning and like a true addict of ActiveRain and FaceBook I had to grab the camera.  Keep in mind that the whole process of taking two picturess took more than just a bit of courage from this former city girl.  Of course Dave said, "Mary, it's just a bat." I was too busy this morning to post so here's his 'mug shot.' Curiosity made me look outside and lo and behold the bat is still there.  Well, I will tell you that he will stay there until Dave gets home to dispose of him.   (Guess, I am still a city girl at heart.)  To be safe I will submit this post in the group  Do Not Worry ~ Today If you need to vent your concerns or troubles, write a post and submit to the group Do Not Worry ~ Today and your friends here ... 08/09/2012

Your Real Estate Career Starts with Practice Class in Erie, PA ERIE, PA   August 11, 12 and August 25, 26 Time:  9:00 - 4:30 EBCO Park 2820 W. 23rd Street Erie, PA 16506 Cost: $178 www.alankells.com  Why wait till September to take classes? Take classes now and be ready for the 'after school starts rush' to buy before winter arrives.  Register for Practice class now.  www.alankells.com 08/08/2012

Summer Beauty ~ Just Enjoy Just enjoy.  These summer flowers are enjoying the sunshine, warm temps and recent rain.  I saw these flowers along a country road while walking this morning and just couldn't resist bringing home the beauty to share with my ActiveRain friends.   Enjoy the day! 08/07/2012

Morning Walk: Lake Erie, PA Lake Erie, PA Wow!  What a view of Lake Erie at the end of Avonia Road.  I am fortunate to live within walking distance of Lake Erie (one mile to cliff or one & half mile to water).  Here is one more view before I get back to work.  Make it a great day!   08/07/2012